10k training

The only way that I can motivate myself to stay in shape is to register myself for races so far in advance that they don't seem intimidating.  It's like this horrible prank that I keep playing on myself, but it's really effective.  Once I'm registered I know that I have to train, and I don't mind working out (as much) because I'm preparing for a goal.  Normally I just register for 5k races, but after finishing my last 5k in July, I realized I had more in the tank.  So before I could think too much about it, I registered myself for a 10k in September.  And now it's September.  I wanted to blog about my training a little bit!  If you are an avid runner you should probably avert your eyes.  Honestly I wouldn't blame anyone for skipping these posts because they're more for accountability, and how entertaining can I really make exercise? Like I said before, I basically have to trick myself into working out.

I've been running 6 miles when I feel motivated enough, but normally I hover around 3 or 4 a few times a week.  When I don't run, I use the elliptical for about an hour, and I try to mix things up with fitness classes like kickboxing (thank you Groupon). 

I have about 3 weeks left until my 10k so I'm trying to get a little more serious about my training schedule. Here's a general idea of what it's going to look like until race day:

Mondays: cross training for 45 minutes
Tuesdays: 5-7 mile runs
Wednesdays: cross training and weights
Thursdays: 3-5 mile runs
Fridays: cross training for 45-60 minutes
Saturdays: 5-7 mile runs
Sundays: rest

Sometimes things might get switched up depending on my schedule, but I think any kind of post about this will keep me a little more accountable to my training.  My goal is to run the 10k in less than an hour, so I definitely have some work to do!  If you don't hear from me again it's because I slipped off a treadmill and was flung into that awkward open/close leg weight machine.

love and shin splints (just kidding...hopefully)
AB